CCC’s podcast, They Are Us: Breaking Through Stigma, continues to shed light on the realities of homelessness and substance use in Portland, featuring voices from people in recovery and frontline experts. Hosted by Juliana Lukasik, CCC’s Public Affairs Director, the series challenges stigma by sharing stories and expert insights on the complex paths to healing and stability.
As episodes air, they will be available on our Podcast page!
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Listen to Episode 2
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Episode 2 Summary
Juliana first speaks with Bryce, who openly shares his struggles with fentanyl and methamphetamine use and his experience navigating recovery at Hooper Detox Center. Bryce’s story highlights the powerful impact of accessible care and the relentless challenges posed by today’s potent drug supply.
Following this, Juliana sits down with Dr. Amanda Risser, who at the time of recording was Senior Medical Director of Hooper Detox Center and is now CCC’s Chief Medical Officer, to discuss how the program is adapting treatment approaches to address the rise of fentanyl and stimulant co-use among clients. Dr. Risser offers expert insights on the evolving drug landscape, the critical role of medications like buprenorphine, and the systemic barriers that often hinder effective treatment.
Bryce’s Decades-Long Journey with Addiction
Bryce’s story is a raw and personal account of living with opioid and stimulant use disorders amid Portland’s changing drug supply. After heroin became scarce, Bryce found himself reliant on fentanyl—using it every one to two hours just to feel normal—often alongside methamphetamine. His experience at Hooper Detox Center shows both the physical and emotional toll of withdrawal, as well as the crucial role of compassionate, accessible care in supporting recovery. Bryce’s story is a powerful reminder of the human lives behind the statistics and headlines.
Dr. Risser on Treatment Complexities
Building on Bryce’s story, Dr. Risser explains how Hooper Detox is adapting its approaches to meet the challenges posed by fentanyl and stimulant co-use. She clarifies common misconceptions about methamphetamine, the potency of P2P meth, and the psychiatric risks stimulants pose, emphasizing that these challenges are intertwined with social factors like homelessness.
Dr. Risser also highlights the lifesaving benefits of medications like buprenorphine and the frustrating barriers—especially stigma and regulatory hurdles—that prevent many people from accessing this treatment.
Overcoming Stigma and Creating Compassionate Care
Both Bryce’s journey and Dr. Risser’s reflections underscore the deep stigma that surrounds substance use disorders. Dr. Risser stresses that beyond medication, the most meaningful impact comes from seeing clients as whole people—with stories, hopes, and connections that matter. She envisions a future where everyone feels valued and deserving of high-quality, evidence-based care, with easy access to treatment, multiple pathways to recovery, and supportive relationships that honor their humanity.
Listen to the second episode here and stay tuned for more honest stories and expert discussions that break stigma and foster understanding of homelessness and substance use disorders in our community.
